Not only has the legislature demonstrated a lack of common sense and fiscal restraint but they have also shown to have little regard to the safety of our communities. The passing of SB 500 that both Christina Hamm and Gary Richardson supported is a good example of this. Between law enforcement and the justice department we spend millions of dollars incarcerating these violent criminals. Now in an effort to save a few pennies over a five year period our legislature found no problem in setting the worst of the worst loose. As a father of a two year old girl I am deeply concerned with the mindset of our current legislative body when it comes to the safety and security of our citizens. You really have to scratch your head when our legislature won’t even discuss the Kimberly Cates Bill (SB 472) yet they are more then willing to let violent sex offenders loose on the street via SB 500 just to save a buck. It is painfully clear that we over spend in every aspect of state government and cuts need to be made. In the correctional system alone we spend over $3300.00 more than the national average on each inmate per year. To let our worst offenders loose rather than find ways to spend our money wisely is irresponsible. The passing of this egregious legislation should make every father and mothers stomach turn. This kind of game to play politics with peoples safety should concern all of us. Here is a recent Union Leader article on this issue:
